The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has uncovered a six-member syndicate that used an advanced caller ID spoofing system to deceive unsuspecting victims via phone calls, stealing millions of shillings.
According to a statement from the DCI, the suspects, based in Mombasa, were arrested following a security operation that raided their hideout in an Airbnb.
“Six cybercrime suspects involved in a series of major fraud cases using caller ID spoofing to trick their targets and electronically steal millions of shillings have been arrested in a security operation carried out in Nyali, Mombasa County,” the DCI said.
The DCI explained that the suspects employed the spoofing software to socially engineer their victims by manipulating phone calls and numbers, making them seem as though they originated from legitimate call centers.
By disguising their identities in this way, the suspects were able to create a sense of panic and urgency, tricking victims into revealing personal information that the fraudsters then used to transfer large sums of money into their accounts.
One suspect, believed to be the ringleader, reportedly owned the spoofing software and rented it out to the notorious ‘Mulot Swapper’ fraudsters for a fee.
The mastermind reportedly made calls to victims while pretending to be customer service representatives from banks and telecommunications companies.
This impersonation gave the calls an air of legitimacy, causing victims to fall for the scam and lose their hard-earned money.
The DCI noted that the spoofing software is highly sought after, with the suspects reportedly paying Ksh500,000 to acquire, configure it, and obtain an IP address to carry out their fraudulent activities.
Investigators revealed that the suspects had converted their Airbnb rental into a base for training and conducting their operations.
During the raid, authorities seized 19 mobile phones, numerous SIM cards and SIM holders, a ledger containing potential victims’ details, and other related items.
Following their arrest, the suspects appeared before Kahawa Law Courts on Tuesday, June 3, with their case set for a ruling the following day. They are currently held at Capitol Hill Police Station.
